No. 6: Art Encourages Presence and Mindfulness
In a world that doesn’t just feel fast-paced and overwhelming but is, art has become an essential anchor for me—an invitation to slow down, breathe and be present. When I create, I enter a space where time seems to dissolve, where my focus sharpens and where I can fully immerse myself in the process. This practice of presence through creativity has been one of the most powerful mindfulness tools I have acquired during my life, allowing me to cultivate a sense of awareness and calm even in the midst of chaos.
Conscious, Purposeful Living Through Art
When I started my company, Avec La Vie, in 2014 and created my series of nature-inspired decks—Fauna Inspiration, Flora Healing, and Fantastic Being—I began using a phrase to remind myself how I wanted to live: "Conscious, Purposeful Living." This guiding philosophy has shaped not only my personal approach to life and my creative art practice, but also the foundation of my Art & Wellness Programs. It was during this time that I also began exploring the concept of biophilic art—art that connects people to nature with the goal of helping others foster their own well-being and deepen their relationship with the natural world.
The Act of Creating as a Mindful Practice
Mindfulness is about being fully engaged in the present moment without judgment. Art naturally facilitates this. Whether I am writing, sketching, painting or creating with other materials, my attention shifts entirely to the elements before me. I notice the way the brush glides across the canvas, the way water interacts with pigment and the feeling of my paint as I work on a composition. Each line, each stroke and each moment of creation becomes a meditation in and of itself.
Art gives me permission to step away from the noise of daily life and focus on something tangible and immediate. It helps me silence self-criticism and embrace the process rather than fixating on the outcome. By letting go of expectations, I can simply enjoy the act of creating, allowing my thoughts to settle and my mind to find stillness.
Creativity as a Way to Reconnect with the Present
Too often, daily responsibilities and distractions pull my attention in a dozen different directions, making it difficult to feel fully engaged in any one moment. Art brings me back. It reminds me to be here, right now!
Through my Art & Wellness Programs, I encourage others to experience this same reconnection. I guide participants through creative exercises that focus on slowing down, observing their surroundings and immersing themselves in the process rather than striving for perfection. Whether it’s a simple sketching session, a watercolor exploration or a free-form painting exercise, my workshops foster presence and awareness.
The beauty of this practice is that it extends beyond the canvas. When I train myself to observe light and shadow while painting, I become more attuned to the natural world. When I slow down to mix colors, I carry that same patience into my daily interactions. Art teaches me to be intentional and to fully experience the moment, both in my creative work and in life.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Artistic Presence
There is a deep sense of peace that comes with being fully present. I have found that when I allow myself to create without distraction, my stress level decreases, my mind clears and I feel a renewed sense of energy. Neuroscience supports this—engaging in creative activities has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve focus and promote overall well-being. (National Library of Medicine)
When I need to center myself, I turn to my art practice as a form of active meditation. Instead of sitting in silence, I engage with color, shape and movement, allowing the process to ground me. This is why I believe art is such a powerful tool for mindfulness—it meets me where I am, because it is what I am!
Bringing Mindfulness into Your Own Art Practice
If you’re looking for ways to use art as a mindfulness tool, start small. Take a few minutes each day to write, draw, paint or simply doodle. Let go of any pressure to create something “good”. Instead, focus on the sensation of the materials in your hands. Observe the way your body moves as you create. Let yourself become fully absorbed in the moment.
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Art has the power to bring clarity, peace and a deeper sense of self-awareness. By embracing creativity as a mindfulness practice, I have learned to navigate life with more intention and ease. Through each brushstroke, I remind myself: this moment is enough. As you develop your own creative practice, you too will learn about yourself and what truths resonate most with you!